Overview
11 DESCRIPTION EXXUA contains gepirone, in the salt form as gepirone hydrochloride (HCl). The chemical name is 2,6- piperidinedione,4,4-dimethyl-1-[4-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]-, monohydrochloride. The molecular weight of gepirone HCl is 395.93 and the structural formula is as follows: Gepirone HCl is a white to off-white crystalline powder, which is readily soluble in water.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of EXXUA is not fully understood but is thought to be related to its modulation of serotonergic activity in the CNS through selective agonist activity at 5HT1A receptors. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics The pharmacological activity of gepirone is attributed to the parent drug and its major metabolites 3’-OH-gepirone and 1-PP. Gepirone and its 3’-OH metabolite bind to 5HT1A receptors (Ki = 38 nM and 58 nM, respectively), where they act as agonists, while the 1-PP metabolite binds to alpha2 receptors (Ki = 42 nM).
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE EXXUA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. EXXUA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ).
Common Doses
- 18.2 mg
- 36.3 mg
- 54.5 mg
- 72.6 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Correct electrolyte abnormalities and perform electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to initiating treatment with EXXUA. Do not initiate EXXUA if QTc is > 450 msec ( 2.1 ). Perform ECGs during dosage titration and periodically during treatment ( 2.1 ). The recommended starting dose is 18.2 mg administered orally once daily with food at approximately the same time each day ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). Depending on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg once daily on Day 4. Dosage may be further titrated to 54.5 mg once daily after Day 7 and to 72.
Black Box Warning
BOXED WARNING WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ) ] . EXXUA is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS EXXUA is contraindicated in patients: with known hypersensitivity to gepirone or components of EXXUA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . with prolonged QTc interval > 450 msec at baseline [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. with congenital long QT syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. receiving concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7) ]. with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ].
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Activation of Mania or Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at least twice incidence of placebo) were dizziness, nausea, insomnia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia ( 6.1 ).
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 displays clinically important drug interactions with EXXUA. Table 3 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with EXXUA CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Concomitant use of EXXUA with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increases EXXUA exposure by ~ 5-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Concomitant use with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor increases EXXUA exposure by ~ 2.6-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .